Trends in stage distribution for patients with non-small cell lung cancer: A National Cancer Database Survey

Abstract

7598 Background: We have previously reported a significant change in stage distribution for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) among patients diagnosed at our institution (ASCO 2006 # 7205). To confirm this observation, a larger sample population was evaluated. Methods: Patients with NSCLC registered at the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and diagnosed between the years 1998 and 2003 were evaluated for demographic characteristics including age, race, gender, and stage at presentation. Results: 551,248 patients were identified. Patients with stage 0 or unknown stage were excluded from the study, leaving 510,942 eligible for the final analysis. The annual proportions of stage IV disease at the time of diagnosis are described in the table below. Stage distribution remained stable from 1998 to 2000, but a sharp increase in the percentage of stage IV was noticed between 2000 and 2001 (35.7% to 38.9%). This increase in the percentage of stage IV patients was sustained in the subsequent years and present across the other demographic variables. Conclusions: We have documented a significant change in the NSCLC stage distribution over the last six years. The NCDB is the largest database available and currently captures approximately 62% of all NSCLC patients diagnosed in the United States. The increase in stage IV disease coincides with the widespread adoption of FDG-PET, suggesting an earlier diagnosis of metastatic disease and confirming our previous findings. No significant financial relationships to disclose. [Table: see text]